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DIGIT Movers & Shakers August 2018
August excitement wasn’t reserved exclusively for the Fringe Festival…yet more developments unfolded in the digital technology sector.
Here are August’s Movers and Shakers.
Recruitment
Nucleus
Edinburgh-based Nucleus has recruited a new head of product development, Sam Hampton-Smith, as the firm looks to add to its tech capabilities.
Hampton-Smith joins Nucleus from cybersecurity company, Zonefox, where he served as head of engineering and user experience. As an experienced technology professional, Hampton-Smith brings a strong track record of observing customer journeys and building technology propositions that subsequently improve upon the user experience for a range of different stakeholders
Commenting on his appointment, Hampton-Smith said: “Scotland is becoming a hub for businesses built with technology at the front and centre, and Nucleus is a big part of this.
“Financial services have often been criticised for being slow in implementing technology solutions that make things easier for both their customers and themselves. However, I am really looking forward to joining a company that not only understands this importance but is also trying to use it to improve the customer experience.”
CodeClan
CodeClan, Scotland’s only accredited digital skills academy has appointed Brian Baglow as Commercial Director.
Baglow will lead the commercially-focused departments of CodeClan, including the new industry partnership programme, short courses, bespoke training and initiatives for strategic growth. A veteran of Scotland’s digital technology industries, Baglow was most recently the editor of DIGIT.FYI, helping the site to become the country’s largest digital technology news channel.
Baglow brings over 25 years of experience in digital technology and interactive media to CodeClan, having work extensively in the video games sector, running his own marketing agency and in-house for developers and publishers worldwide.
Melinda Matthews-Clarkson, the CEO of CodeClan, said: “CodeClan has established itself as an invaluable resource for Scotland’s rapidly growing digital economy. The academy’s 16 week programming course produces graduates who have the technical and work skills which enable them to fit seamlessly into the growing number of digital vacancies across the country.
“As we approach our 500th graduate, we’re delighted to have Brian join the team to help us build even stronger links with industries and employers and make CodeClan an integral part of every company’s recruitment strategy.”
Speaking on his appointment, Baglow said: “I’m excited to join the CodeClan team. The academy has shown that digital skills are open to everyone and can offer a truly life-changing experience.
CodeClan has already helped hundreds of students find their perfect new career. I’m looking forward making sure the new partnership programme helps many more companies discover there’s a whole new way to address their digital skills gaps and find the staff they need.”
Zortrex
Disruptive data security startup, Zortrex, announced the appointment of Graham Mann as Chief Executive Officer. Mann replaces Susan Brown – who will assume the position of Executive Chairwoman.
Mann brings with him an impressive pedigree in building and leading early-stage companies through market expansion and has significant expertise in operation strategy, sales and marketing. Zortrex noted that Mann also commands a strong track record in developing partnerships.
Susan Brown, Founder and former CEO, said: “I am delighted that Graham is joining the board to lead the business in its next phase of development.
“Graham is the ideal candidate to take Zortrex forward, having a blend of leadership skills, a passion for cybersecurity and proven business expertise. I’m confident that Graham’s skills and ability will contribute to the future delivery of Zortrex’s investment lead strategy”.
Mann said he was “excited about this opportunity” and looked forward to working with the Zortex team and Susan Brown, highlighting the groundbreaking work the former CEO has carried out – laying strong foundations that will serve the company well as it enters a new development stage.
Waterstons
IT and Business Transformation Consultancy, Waterstons, has announced Sally Edgar as the new Head of Information Services.
Edgar joined Waterstons in September 2017 and is a Digital Transformation specialist consultant who has helped develop digital practices within Waterstons – as well as working with a number of UK and international clients on their digital and business strategies.
The move to the Information Services role heralds a shift in focus from client facing to internal service delivery and digital transformation, although she is retaining a “very special” client in her portfolio. In addition to IT, she will also lead the development of the firm’s innovative Digital and Knowledge Management services. Plans have also been unveiled to provide an incubator, so that blue sky or emerging tech innovation can be prototyped and tested without internal red tape or funding barriers.
Speaking on the announcement, Edgar said: “Waterstons’ success and extraordinary growth in the last twelve months has seen our operations extending internationally, therefore our internal IT infrastructure, systems and processes always need to be up to scratch.
“Like most consultancies, our internal systems suffer when clients needs inevitably come before our own. So the Board and Executive Team have recognised the need for focused resource to ensure we continue to be robust, secure, compliant and innovative.”
She added: “I will work with our Exec and Board to ensure their vision for the future is reflected in our Enterprise Architecture and we continue to provide quality and value in our Information Services.”
Global Surface Intelligence
Global Surface Intelligence (GSI) has appointed George Lindsay to the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer. Lindsay has held previous senior management roles in similar industries, the company said – having spent five years as the COO of Aglytix, an agricultural analytics software developer.
Lindsay also spent ten years as Chief Executive Officer of a major packaging manufacturer in the Middle East, whilst also serving as a GlobalScot business ambassador in 2012; assisting Scottish businesses to expand their international operations.
GSI Chief Executive, Gavin Tweedie, said: “We are pleased that George joined our company and we look forward to him rapidly driving our expansion program, which is crucial to scaling our business.
“His previous experience in running successful and profitable companies will be critical in helping us achieve our ambitious goals.”
DC Thomson
DC Thomson has appointed Brian Henderson as Group Chief Information Officer on an interim basis. Henderson specialises in developing corporate technology strategies and operating model analysis and design.
Previously, Henderson spent 15 years at Royal London, after which he launched his own consultancy, Edina Consulting.
Henderson said he looks forward to working with a “diverse and dynamic group of companies at the forefront of the media, tech and digital sectors,” adding: “I am excited to be working with the senior team to build an integrated IT strategy that maximises innovation and expertise across the group.”
David Thomson, the group’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Brian to DC Thomson. His experience and strategic vision will help us leverage expertise and best practice across the group and ultimately improve our technology solutions and services.
“Both the Board and IT leadership team are excited to work with him to build and enhance our technology strategy as DC Thomson Group continues to grow.”
Interface
Interface has welcomed five new strategic board members from industry, the college sector and the newly formed UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) organisation.
Stuart Bain, Brian Brown, Liz Connolly, Yekemi Otaru and Dr Colin Cooper join the company from a broad range of sectors and organisations, including Design LED Products, ARMED and Yo! Marketing.
Three of the new board members are from companies that have previously been supported by Interface, which helps businesses connect with academic expertise to create or develop new products, services or processes.
Professor Andrea Nolan, Chair of the Interface Strategic Board, said: “The number and calibre of applications that were received for the board positions are testimony to the strength of Interface’s reputation for supporting businesses, academia and innovation in Scotland.
“I am delighted to welcome the five new board members, who bring a breadth of experience to help advise and shape Interface’s ambition to create impact for society and the Scottish economy.”
Nolan added: “We have ambitious plans for the next five years to increase business-academic collaborations and support the development of long-term partnerships to bring even greater benefits to Scotland’s economy.”
NHS National Services Scotland
Deryck Mitchelson has been announced as the new Director of Digital at NHS National Services Scotland. Mitchelson has extensive experience in digital governance and digital transformation, having previously worked with Wood Mackenzie, the Scottish Prison Service and DC Thomson.
As a respected industry figure, Mitchelson offers a range of key skills for NHS NSS, covering full end-to-end service and delivery capability. He is also described as having an in-depth technical knowledge with a deep understanding of cloud, networking, servers and second-to-none stakeholder management.
In his most recent position with Wood Mackenzie, he coordinated IT and security across 16 international sites. Some notable achievements from his time there include the creation of a Cybersecurity programme that delivered an established Security Operations Centre, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system implementation and the development of forensics and threat intelligence.
Speaking to Digit, Mitchelson said: “I am delighted to be taking on the role of Director of Digital at NHS NSS. Digital presents an unprecedented opportunity for Health and Social Care, a national board such as NSS is well placed to help shape the direction of travel and deliver the necessary transformation.”
Iomart
Cloud computing business, Iomart, has appointed a new chairman following Ian Ritchie’s departure. Ritchie, who had held the post since December 2007, did not stand for re-election at the company’s annual general meeting.
In June, it was announced that Ian Steele would take the reins having previously joined Iomart as non-executive director. Steele commands a reputation as one of Scotland’s leading industry figures, having served at The British Linen Bank and Deloitte.
He served on Deloitte’s UK board for eight years before recently retiring as senior partner for the company in Scotland and Northern Ireland. This appointment comes in the wake of the company’s annual report, which reported adjusted pre-tax profits of £24 million; an increase of 7% from £22.4 million.
Expansions
After Digital
Glasgow-based digital agency, After Digital, has continued its US expansion after securing a contract to build Honolulu Museum’s new online platform.
This follows a successful proposal bid for the redesign and development of Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre website, with the aim to improve the user experience. Auditorium Theatre Chief Marketing Officer, Colleen Flanigan, said: “We are genuinely thrilled to be working with After Digital on the redesign and development of auditoriumtheatre.org.
Flanigan added: “Last month, we hosted some members of the After Digital team in Chicago for an enlightening and productive kick-off.”
Work on this project is now underway, and After Digital said it focused on enhancing the user journey by optimising conversions and purchase paths with their own T-Bridge product – enabling the website to host and manage high volumes of traffic.
After Digital’s Managing Director, David Johnstone, said: “There have been some landmark moments in our past, like winning our first client in London and I feel this is another one.
“Not only continuing to win clients in North America, but for an agency headquartered in Glasgow to be working with such prestigious organisations, and to have a client halfway around the world, is a testament to the quality of work we are doing and how small the world is becoming!”
MBN Solutions
July marked one of the busiest months ever for MBN Solutions, with excellent performances helping to propel the firm into a record-breaking period of growth.
Capitalising on its recent success, the company has added to its London team, hiring two new consultants and an additional consultant to its Scottish Technology team.
In addition to this, MBN has announced Alan Wilson will join the Operational Leadership Team. With a background in high-performing team development and organisational design and development, Wilson joins MBN to help the business to build on the previous five years of “exceptional” performance.
He will help facilitate the rapid scaling of MBN’s back office and operations capabilities in order to support future growth and further develop its consultancy team.
Talent Spark
TalentSpark, the startup recruitment division of Eden Scott, has secured two major contracts, while Jane Kennedy returns as Product and Community Manager.
Kennedy is described as having a “wealth of experience” across the biotech and life sciences sectors, as well as considerable experience in driving the business development of several companies. Her extensive network and detailed understanding of the tech and life sciences sectors, TalentSpark said, will ensure it continues to evolve and find solutions to the challenges faced by Scottish startups.
Speaking on her return, Kennedy said: “I’m delighted to be returning to TalentSpark and Eden Scott’s team of startup specialists. The team are already working with a number of exciting, innovative young companies and I’m excited by the challenge of taking TalentSpark to the next level, wherever that may be.
“As with all startups, there is a natural evolution that is determined by the market. It’s a fantastic time to be re-joining the TalentSpark team and setting the course for the next stage of our journey.”
TalentSpark’s two recent successes include winning the recruitment of several key positions for Novosound and GSI.
Novosound, which recently secured a seed round of £1.5 million, is seeking six key positions following the company’s spin-out from the University of West of Scotland. Novosound said they chose to work with TalentSpark exclusively and are looking to cultivate a longer-term partnership to support future development.
GSI has also enlisted the support of TalentSpark in order to find four key roles to support the next stage in the company’s ongoing growth strategy. These roles are all within the blossoming space-tech sector and will be based in Edinburgh.
TalentSpark Founder, Michelle Lownie, is delighted by TalentSpark’s growth and is excited for the next step in its development with Jane at the helm.
She said: “Jane’s return to the team is a fantastic boost for the whole business. She is such a well-known personality throughout Scotland’s start-up community. However, it’s her extensive knowledge of the tech and life science sectors that make her such a trusted voice in the industry and why she is the perfect person to take TalentSpark to the next level.
“The recent success we have enjoyed with GSI and Novosound are a great indication that business leaders trust our team to deliver. Now, with Jane’s guidance and leadership, we are confident we can support many more start-ups to find the right talent.”
Relocations
xDesign
xDesign, one of Scotland’s leading mobile and digital solutions agencies, has moved to new offices in central Edinburgh. The relocation comes during an exciting time for the company, having experienced rapid growth over the past 12 months. 
In the past year, the firm has secured large contracts with a number of companies, including Menzies Aviation and The Federation of Industry Skills and Standards. The fabulous new office space is double the size of the previous location at around 4,000 square foot, and is now home to 39 full-time employees ranging from software engineers, digital strategists, designers and more.
The x Design team said they are “really looking forward” to continued growth and are proud to be leading the way in Scotland’s digital industry.
TVSquared
TVSquared has announced the opening of a Tokyo office as the Edinburgh-founded company aims to capitalise on Japan’s multi-billion pound advertising sector.
The new location will provide on-the-ground support for the world’s third-largest advertising market. In the year ahead, TV ads spend is predicted to reach more than $15 billion in Japan and will continue to increase through to the 2020 Summer Olympics in the nation’s capital.
In June 2018, the company launched in Sydney, providing support for Australia’s fast growing TV advertising market which is valued at around $3.1 billion. In a statement released last week, the firm said that its ADvantage platform, which has been localised for the Japanese market, will measure the impact of TV spots and provide insights to maximise spend and optimise campaigns for bi-monthly and advanced, six-month buys.
Calum Smeaton, CEO and Founder, said: “Japanese brands are looking at TV for performance vs. simply being a vehicle for reach. In the last year, we’ve worked with dozens of Japanese advertisers to transform TV into a marketing channel that is measurable, optimisable, transparent and dynamic.
Smeaton added: “While TV is unrivalled for brand awareness, it has also evolved into a major driver of direct response.”
